CD56+CD16- NK Cell Isolation Kit ( #130-092-661 )

CD56⁺CD16^- NK Cell Isolation Kit

Description

NK cells are not a homogeneous cell population and can be divided into several subsets according to functional and phenotypic differences. The CD56⁺CD16^– NK Isolation Kit was developed to enrich an NK cell population that is CD56^bright and CD16^–. Representing about 1–2% (range: 0.5–4%) in PBMCs, CD56⁺CD16^– cells are a minor subset of NK cells in blood. These cells also lack expression of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). Accordingly, they neither show antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) nor strong natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity. CD56⁺CD16^– NK cells are phenotypically characterized by being almost free of granules. Unlike CD56⁺CD16⁺ NK cells, which only secrete low levels of cytokines, they have a high cytokine production capacity and are thus suggested to have an immunoregulatory role. They predominantly secrete IFN-γ¹ which aids in reciprocal interactions with other cells of the innate and adaptive immunity, mainly dendritic cells and T cells^2,3. Gene expression profiling on freshly isolated CD56⁺CD16^– NK cells versus CD56⁺CD16⁺ NK cells has revealed several differentially expressed genes.

Applications

The CD56⁺CD16^– NK Isolation Kit was developed for specific isolation of CD56⁺CD16^– NK cells from PBMCs, for example for phenotypical and functional characterization of NK cell subsets, for the analysis of receptor expression, cytokine secretion, or cell-cell interaction with other cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. Isolated NK cells can also be used to study the role of NK cells in diseases, e.g., hepatitis infection or cancer, as well as during pregnancy.

Columns

For the first magnetic separation (depletion): LS or autoMACS™ Columns. For the following magnetic separations (positive selection): MS or autoMACS Columns.

Figure 1

CD56⁺CD16^– NK cells were isolated from human PBMCs using the CD56⁺CD16^– NK Cell Isolation Kit, an LS and an MS Column, a MidiMACS™ and a MiniMACS™ Separator. Cells were fluorescently stained with CD16-FITC and CD56-PE.

A: PBMCs before separation

B: Pre-enriched CD56⁺CD16^– NK cells after depletion of non-NK cells and CD56⁺CD16⁺ NK cells

C: Isolated CD56⁺CD16^–NK cells